3 reasons Vikings should abandon Kirk Cousins for Lamar Jackson

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 24: Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the New York Giants in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Giants 27-24. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

1. There’s a window to contend with Justin Jefferson

The clock is ticking for the Vikings to find a way to contend for a Super Bowl. Why is that? Well, they still have superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson on a rookie contract, but it might not be for long.

Jefferson has made an immediate impact in the NFL, recording over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first three years. This past season, he led the league with 128 receptions and 1,809 receiving yards, earning him the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year award.

With a player of this caliber, the Vikings should be giving him a top-tier quarterback to throw him passes. Jackson may not have the arm that Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes has, but he can get let it fly. Not to mention he can extend plays with his legs, which could create more opportunities for Jefferson to get open downfield.

Yes, Jackson is likely to cost a near-fully guaranteed contract and two first-round picks, and Jefferson will be due for a new deal within the next two years. But with the NFC having a much easier path to make it to the Super Bowl and the fact that Aaron Rodgers is on his way out of the division to head to the New York Jets, this is the time for the Vikings to go all-in and take the division for the foreseeable future.

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